Steelers insider reveals Mike Tomlin's secret Justin Fields plan for wild card clash vs. Ravens 

The Pittsburgh Steelers were in a strong position heading into their Week 15 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 15. With a 10-3, they were not only the favorites to win the AFC North but also considered dark horses to finish as the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the AFC. However, they proceeded to lose four consecutive games, dropping to 10-7, and will now start their playoff journey on the road.

During those four games, the Steelers' offense averaged only 14.3 points per game. If they continue to play as poorly as they did during that spell against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium during Super Wild Card Weekend on Sunday, their season is likely to end early.

However, Pittsburgh Post Gazette's Joe Starkey believes they won't. In his weekly Q-and-A, a fan asked the columnist how short a leash quarterback Russell Wilson would have in the game against the Ravens. Starkey suggested coach Mike Tomlin already has a contingency plan in place if Wilson doesn't play well and won't shy away from benching the veteran in favor of quarterback Justin Fields.

Starkey noted the comments made by Tomlin during his Monday media availability when he was asked about the possibility of playing Fields in Baltimore. Tomlin said:

“Certainly, in an effort to win this game, I am open to any combination or combinations of the division of labor [at quarterback] in an effort to do so.”

Starkey claimed Tomlin's answer suggested that Fields could be used in some capacity to disrupt the Ravens' defensive game plan. The columnist added that the head coach's answer was a reflection of his wavering confidence in Wilson's ability to lead the offense.

Starkey argued that the head coach would have never said there could be a "division of labor" at quarterback when Ben Roethlisberger was the starting quarterback, regardless of how poorly Roethlisberger played.

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Russell Wilson stats: Steelers QB hits a rough patch at the worst time

Russell Wilson had a stellar start to life as a Steelers quarterback. In his first seven games, he averaged 254.9 passing yards and threw 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. Pittsburgh won six of those seven games and improved to 10-3.

However, in the final four games of the regular season, the veteran's form dipped sharply. Wilson averaged only 174.5 passing yards and threw only four touchdown passes with two interceptions. His completion rate in that span was an underwhelming 61.3%, a dip from the 64.8% he managed in his first seven games.

Wilson's poor form is a massive concern for the Steelers heading into their Super Wild Card Weekend duel against the Ravens. If he doesn't start the game well, Tomlin would have no choice but to call Justin Fields' number.